Inter-community and inter-state conflicts: Peacebuilding and Reconciliation

The 4th Symposium is titled “Inter-community and inter-state conflicts: Peacebuilding and Reconciliation”. As we announce this Symposium, another conflict has erupted in the Middle East – this time in Lebanon. This followed the recent wars in Ukraine and Gaza, while the Syrian civil war and the Afghan conflict (Ayobi et al., 2020; Wardak & Braithwaite, 2020) continue to claim the lives of thousands of victims, including children and women (Institute for Economics & Peace, 2024; Security Service MI5, 2024; U.S. Department of State, 2023; Vision of Humanity, 2024). At the same time, the ferocity and sophistication of cyberattacks around the world, and the widespread usage of Artificial Intelligence (CrowdStrike, 2024) create feelings of insecurity independently of where we live. A zeitgeist is being formed where new narratives re-define how we co-exist and accept the other. These narratives are not pleasant. They are mostly divisive, encouraging adversarial feelings and a false sense of belonging. 

Within this context, Cyprus remains to be the only EU member state that is divided. The inter-community conflict since 1963, the Cypriot coup d’etat and the subsequent Turkish invasion in 1974 left the island torn impacting on the lives of generations.  

For all the above reasons, the restorative justice intellectual community called for leadership in reigniting a debate on the role of restorative justice for inter-community and inter-state conflicts. The 4th Symposium responds to this Call with the key aim of creating much-needed hope for our future generations. 

• Prof. Theo Gavrielides, PhD, RJ4All Founder & Director, UK & Cyprus
• Ms Penelope Griffith, Executive Director, Collaborative Solutions for Communities, USA
• Dr Lorenn Walker, Health Educator, Restorative lawyer; Director, Hawai’i Friends of Restorative Justice, USA.
• Dr Lilia Psalta, Assistant Professor in Psychology and Course Leader of Msc Forensic Psychology, UCLan Cyprus
• Sofia Sideridou, Research Coordinator and RJ4All Europe Manager, UK & Cyprus 
• Iro Michael, B.Sc. Psychology, M.A. Criminology, Registered Mediator, Cyprus
• Eleonore Chaustier, Secretariat
• Sophy Gavrielides, Symposium volunteer 

A key contributor to the Symposium methodology and a stimulus for inspiration and scholarly debates is the environment. Our Symposia are not held behind walls but in ancient temples, open spaces on mountains and beaches and historical spots that unite memories and hearts.  

Given the location of the 4th Symposium in the divided island of Cyprus, we have prepared an exciting and inspiring itinerary that draws from the spirit of ancient Cyprus combined with the island’s unique beauty. Over 5 working days, we will visit almost all major cities. 

• Registration Fee -> update on what is included and not (all info below is up to date)

General price: €300 

Discounted price for those with a bursary: €150 

Included:

• Inland transportation (shuttle bus) to the Symposium locations for registered delegates (excluding transportation from and to airports). Additional people are charged €75
• Private Boat trip in Paphos without lunch. Additional guests are charged €15 for the trip
• Entry ticket to various places, including Baths of Aphrodite (Paphos),Hala Sultan Tekkesi (Larnaca)  
• Delegates’ pack and stationery during the Symposium (no need to bring any papers, etc)
• Refreshments and snacks during the formal morning and afternoon presentations
• Open evening ceremony costs (not including dinner). Open ceremony morning costs include drinks and snacks during coffee breaks, plus up to 1 guest.
• Costs for the closing ceremony, including memorabilia – dinner not included
• Administration for the event, including Venue and locations, hire

Not included:

• Lunch and Dinner
• Evening opening ceremony dinner on the 15^th €30 (alcohol not included) 
• Lunch opening ceremony in UClan’s cafeteria on the 16^th ~ €7
• Lunch at Petra Tou Remiou (Aphrodite’s Rock) ~ €20
• Dinner in Paphos/Akamas on the 19^th
• Evening closing ceremony dinner on the 21^st €30
• Entry ticket to Mosaic Museum €4.5
• Accommodations
• Travel arrangements to/from Cyprus
• Public transport to/from the meeting point and during free time

*Note:

• “Not included” indicates that this lunch/dinner is not covered by the registration fee and we will request you to pay directly at the restaurant what you’ve consumed.
• “Additional payment required” indicates that this item was included in the checklist and required a separate online payment late May/Early June.
• “Free time” indicates that delegates can choose to have dinner on their own or join the Organising Committee

IMPORTANT! A checklist has been communicated to all delegates regarding the options mentioned above and any surcharges applicable for additional guests. Following confirmation of your checklist, please proceed to pay those additional charges.

Due to limited transport options on the island, RJ4All will arrange for a shuttle bus service that will transfer the participants from one city to another. Accommodation can be arranged based on the itinerary at a 4-star hotel. 

14 – 17: Larnaca 

18 – 22: Paphos. 

Cost TBC 

We strongly encourage delegates to bring family and/ or friends. Learning from the previous Symposia bringing our loved ones to these unique events enhances and intensifies the building of bonds that can last for a lifetime. There will be no additional registration costs for friends and family who can participate in the opening and closing ceremonies and the social events. Accommodation costs can be adjusted accordingly.